representative sample

USAGE SUMMARY

"representative sample" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people or objects that adequately represent a larger group, for example: "We conducted a survey using a representative sample of 2000 individuals to assess public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was no representative sample of youth.

The New York Times

So we feel we have got a good representative sample".

The Guardian

That nationally representative sample is becoming increasingly elusive though.

The Guardian

Instead, bond index managers buy a representative sample.

The New York Times

This is not a representative sample of typical practising Christians.

The Guardian - Opinion

My initial challenge was to find a representative sample.

The Washington Post

A nationally representative sample of 1,536 Australians were surveyed.

The Guardian

The Planck mission provided a representative sample of galaxy clusters.

Harvard University

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was designed (representative sample).

Oral Oncology

The test was taken by a representative sample of 8,000 students in 40 states.

The New York Times

But it wasn't a representative sample, Grossman said – "just a convenient sample".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conducting research or analysis, ensure that your "representative sample" accurately reflects the characteristics of the overall population to avoid skewed or misleading results.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions from a sample that is not truly "representative". This can lead to inaccurate assumptions and flawed decision-making. Always assess the sample's composition and potential biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative sample" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subset chosen from a larger population. It highlights the sample's ability to accurately reflect the characteristics of the entire group. Ludwig examples show its use across varied contexts to ensure generalization of results is valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "representative sample" is a common and grammatically correct term, frequently used across diverse fields like news, science, and academia to denote a subset that accurately reflects a larger population. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to ensure the validity of research or data analysis. To avoid misinterpretations, it's important to ensure that a sample truly represents the target population, and drawing conclusions from non-representative samples should be avoided. Alternatives such as "typical subset" or "balanced representation" can be used based on the context. The term's widespread usage emphasizes its significance in ensuring the reliability and generalizability of research findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflective cross-section

Stresses the cross-sectional nature of the sample mirroring the larger entity.

balanced representation

Highlights the balance achieved in representing different aspects of the population.

true reflection

Emphasizes the authenticity and veracity of the sample as a reflection of the larger population.

typical subset

Focuses on the typicality of the subset in reflecting the broader group.

fair portrayal

Highlights the fairness and impartiality of the sample's reflection of the whole.

proportional segment

Emphasizes the proportionality between the segment and the overall group.

characteristic selection

Highlights the selection process emphasizing characteristic elements.

accurate depiction

Focuses on the accuracy with which the sample depicts the larger group.

indicative segment

Emphasizes the segment's role in indicating the properties of the whole.

mirror image

Implies a near-perfect reflection of the whole in the sample.

FAQs

How can I use "representative sample" in a sentence?

A "representative sample" is crucial for accurate surveys. For example, "The pollsters sought to get a "representative sample" of the city based on ethnicity and geography".

What does it mean when a sample isn't representative?

If a sample isn't representative, it means it doesn't accurately reflect the characteristics of the larger population. This can lead to biased or skewed results.

What are some alternatives to "representative sample"?

You can use alternatives like "typical subset", "reflective cross-section", or "balanced representation" depending on the context.

Why is it important for a sample to be representative?

A "representative sample" is essential for generalizing findings from the sample to the larger population. Without it, conclusions may not be accurate or reliable.